The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) took a prominent role at DataFest 2025, a two-day national event organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), under the Government of Pakistan. During the event, PITB highlighted the transformative digital initiatives driving e-Governance, citizen facilitation, and business empowerment across the province, as part of its ‘Digital Punjab’ vision.
On the first day of DataFest, Sajid Latif, PITB’s Director General for e-Governance, shared key insights into the province’s technological innovations. On the second day, Waqar Naeem Qureshi, Director General of IT-Solutions at PITB, along with representatives from the IT-Operations, IT-Solutions, e-Governance, and Admin Wings, demonstrated the board’s wide-ranging ICT projects. These include advancements in Digital Governance, Automation, Citizen-Centric Services, Youth Empowerment, and Education.
PITB’s booth drew significant attention throughout the event, attracting a diverse group of dignitaries, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts. Notable visitors included Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (PD&SI), and Sahibzadi Wasimah Umer, Managing Director of the Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). Delegations from the World Bank and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics also visited the stall, further emphasizing the national importance of PITB’s work.
PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf expressed his appreciation for the event, stating, “Data is the cornerstone of effective governance and sustainable development. Through our digital initiatives, PITB is revolutionizing how public services are delivered, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity throughout Punjab. Events like DataFest are essential in bringing together stakeholders to harness data for national progress.”
As a gesture of appreciation, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf presented souvenirs to Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, Member SS/RM PBS, and World Bank representatives for their contribution to promoting data-driven growth in Pakistan.
DataFest 2025 brought together technology leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore emerging trends in data utilization. The event successfully highlighted the importance of data in boosting economic growth and driving the transition towards a data-driven Pakistan. After two days of insightful discussions and exhibitions, DataFest 2025 concluded with a renewed commitment to building a connected and prosperous future through innovation and data.